Posted On Tuesday, July 21, 2015

I can certainly attest, being self-employed is cause for many long working hours, late nights and no days off. But while the grind of following my dreams and passions can be daunting, they aren't without their cushions of fun, experience and prestige! This past weekend, DEFINITELY counts as such -- with so much happening, it kinda illustrates why my banner says I'm "The Hardest Working Man in Comics"...! (LOL)

Thursday:

One of the perks of my AMAZING partnership with Comic Town (in addition to co-hosting Black White & READ All Over and them carrying V:IP titles) is working together on joint outreach opportunities! The latest saw us returning to the Gateway Film Center, as part of the Geek Sneak event for the release of Ant-Man!

All work and no play...actually its all fun!

Built to add a commemorative experience to the initial showings of pop culturally viewed "Geek" movies, the Geek Sneak had scientist doing live demos on ants, experiments showcasing size augmentation and compression (with MARSHMALLOWS!!!), a specialized menu (featuring Pym Particled Popcorn Shrimp) and a Comic Town pop-up shop!

I was on hand, signing books for a number of generous readers (thank you all!). It was a test of my tenacity as a creator, because while I was out in the lobby, my family was happily watching Ant-Man...without me....(tears). But at least they were able to snap this quick shot of Ryan and I promoting BW&R, right before the trailers started!

Friday:
Coming back to the theatre, I manned the CT pop-up, selling my books and promoting my appearance at S.P.A.C.E. (Small Press & Alternative Comics Expo). I think Ant-man kinda lost out to Trainwreck, but I still had quite a few people swing by to chat me up!

Artwork for Colonies!

The ease of traffic DID afford me the opportunity to finish the artwork for the mini-comic "Colonies," I had started -- a kind of autobiographical story about my time as a comic creator...told through the lens of being an ant. Its a bit more alternative than what I'm known for, but I think stretching those muscles is always an attempt to improve!

And to make it all EVEN better, I got to see Ant-man myself! It really is a good movie -- full of the heart and charm that I think won me over with Thor and fit better in the Marvel Cinematic Universe than Iron Man 3 did!

Saturday:

Me and the Indy Huntress, Crystal O'Rourke!!!

Ugh...I hate -- Hate -- HATE being late. Especially for shows. But as luck would have it, car issues kept me from arriving and setting up at SPACE until nearly 10:30 -- a whole half-hour after the show opened. But luckily, I was able to setup pretty quickly and get a nice walk around, saying hey to all the people I know.

If you've followed me on social media, you may note that SPACE genuinely has a special place in my heart. Though not necessarily the most lucrative of shows I regularly attend, its a hallmark of my city AND my career. Its a home to me and just like with real families, the people that live there don't always see eye to eye, nor do we always like each other. But we're there for something bigger than any us and its always good to feel that creative energy.

I got to see a few people I hadn't in a while, and others I hadn't seen BEHIND a table even longer. Its good to know that even though so much life has happened, comics (and SPACE) are never too far away to help bring them back in.

Sunday:It's finally HERE! After WEEKS of hype and promotion, the fateful day of Ol' Crazy & the 40oz of Death release has finally arrived! With a scheduled signing with series artist, Bryan Moss, we FINALLY had Ol' Crazy join the ranks of The Samaritan and The Trouble w/Love on our table. The response to it has already been phenomenal (we actually have it available for digital download RIGHT NOW through Peepgamecomix.com), but seeing it in person FLOORED everyone, both creators and readers, alike!

Local artist, Brian Williams grabbed the FIRST copy!

While I'm not usually on panels at SPACE, I was asked by Bill Campbell of Rosarium Publishing to take part in a discussion on diversity -- one of the hot button issues in the industry right now. Joined by Canada Keck and Dara Naraghi, we did our best to use our individual experiences to voice both the conundrums and advances with regards to such challenging subject matter. I think it was a healthy representation of the different viewpoints, but one that is innately limited in its affectively, because we ONLY have so long to talk about it!

And THAT was my weekend! I know, I know...I live a VERY awesome life! Be on the look out for more from V:IP -- we've got plenty of things in the works, as well as the upcoming release of Wonder Care Presents: The Kinder Guardians #3 -- BEWARE THE KID NAPPER!!!!!